Cooking in the great outdoors is one of the best parts of camping. There’s something special about preparing and sharing a meal in nature, but it’s essential to have the right equipment to make outdoor cooking easy and enjoyable. Whether you’re a solo camper or feeding a whole family, choosing the right portable stoves, grills, and cooking sets can elevate your outdoor cooking experience.
This guide covers some of the best camping cooking gear for 2024, with options that suit different budgets, group sizes, and cooking needs. Each item has been selected for its durability, functionality, and ease of use.
1. Jetboil Flash Camping Stove
The Jetboil Flash Camping Stove is an all-in-one system that’s lightweight, compact, and perfect for boiling water quickly. It’s an excellent choice for solo campers or small groups who need a portable, efficient stove for simple meals and hot drinks.
Features:
- Fast Boil Time: Boils 16 ounces of water in just 100 seconds, making it one of the quickest stoves available.
- Compact Design: The cooking pot, burner, and fuel canister nest together, creating a lightweight and packable design.
- Push-Button Ignition: Easy to start with the push of a button, eliminating the need for matches.
- Ideal for Hot Drinks: Perfect for boiling water for coffee, tea, or freeze-dried meals.
2. Coleman Gas Camping Stove – Classic Propane Stove
For those who prefer a classic, reliable option, the Coleman Gas Camping Stove is a top pick. Known for its durability, this stove is perfect for families or groups who need more cooking space and control over their meals.
Features:
- Dual Burners: Two adjustable burners with 20,000 BTUs of cooking power, allowing you to cook multiple dishes simultaneously.
- Wind Block Panels: Helps shield the burners from the wind, ensuring your cooking process is uninterrupted.
- PerfectFlow Technology: Maintains consistent heat, even in cold weather or at high altitudes.
- Spacious Cooking Surface: Fits two 10-inch pans, giving you plenty of room to cook for a larger group.
3. GSI Outdoors Pinnacle Camper Cooking Set
If you’re looking for a complete cooking set for your family or group, the GSI Outdoors Pinnacle Camper Cooking Set is an excellent choice. This compact set includes all the essentials for cooking, eating, and cleaning up on the go.
Features:
- Complete Set: Includes pots, pans, plates, bowls, mugs, and a strainer lid—everything you need for cooking and serving.
- Durable and Lightweight: Made from hard-anodized aluminum, which is lightweight but extremely durable.
- Non-Stick Coating: Makes cooking and cleanup a breeze, so you can spend less time washing dishes.
- Compact Design: All components nest together, making it easy to pack and carry.
4. Camp Chef Explorer 2-Burner Stove
For campers who want the feel of cooking on a full-size stove, the Camp Chef Explorer 2-Burner Stove is a high-performance option. This portable stove is ideal for group camping trips and for those who love to cook a variety of meals outdoors.
Features:
- High Heat Output: Each burner produces 30,000 BTUs, offering the power needed to cook large meals quickly.
- Adjustable Legs: Can be adjusted to suit uneven ground, ensuring stability.
- Removable Legs: Easily packable with legs that can be detached for compact storage.
- Versatile Cooking: Compatible with accessories like griddles and BBQ boxes, allowing you to expand your cooking options.
5. BioLite CampStove 2 Wood Burning Stove
The BioLite CampStove 2 is a unique wood-burning stove that converts heat from the fire into electricity, allowing you to charge small devices while cooking. It’s eco-friendly and an excellent choice for campers who want to reduce their reliance on fuel canisters.
Features:
- Eco-Friendly: Burns sticks, twigs, and pine cones, eliminating the need for fuel canisters.
- Electricity Generation: Converts heat into 3 watts of electricity, enough to charge a smartphone or other small devices.
- Lightweight and Portable: Compact design makes it easy to carry, even for backpackers.
- Integrated LED Dashboard: Provides information on fan speed, fire strength, and power output.
6. Weber Q1200 Portable Gas Grill
If grilling is a priority on your camping trips, the Weber Q1200 Portable Gas Grill is a fantastic option. Known for its excellent build quality and cooking performance, this grill provides a convenient way to cook everything from burgers to veggies.
Features:
- High-Quality Construction: Made from cast aluminum, this grill is durable and built to last.
- Large Cooking Surface: With 189 square inches of cooking space, you’ll have plenty of room to cook for a group.
- Even Heat Distribution: The porcelain-enameled cast-iron cooking grates distribute heat evenly for perfect grilling.
- Easy to Transport: Compact and easy to carry, it’s ideal for car camping and other outdoor adventures.
7. Stanley Adventure Base Camp Cook Set for 4
This Stanley Adventure Base Camp Cook Set is a complete, durable cooking set perfect for families or groups of up to four people. It includes all the essentials for cooking and serving meals, and Stanley’s reputation for quality means this set is built to last.
Features:
- All-in-One Design: Includes a pot, pan, plates, bowls, utensils, and more.
- Durable Stainless Steel: The set is made from rust-proof, scratch-resistant stainless steel.
- Compact Storage: All components nest together for easy storage and transportation.
- Versatile Use: The set works well on both stoves and open flames, making it versatile for different cooking setups.
8. MSR WindBurner Stove System
The MSR WindBurner Stove System is an ultra-efficient, windproof stove that’s perfect for cooking in challenging weather conditions. It’s compact and designed for quick meals and boiling water, making it ideal for solo campers and small groups.
Features:
- Windproof Design: The enclosed burner ensures consistent heat, even in windy conditions.
- Fast Boiling: Boils water quickly, making it ideal for instant meals, coffee, and tea.
- Lightweight and Packable: The entire stove system nests together, making it easy to pack.
- Fuel-Efficient: Uses a minimal amount of fuel, making it cost-effective for longer trips.
9. Primus Kamoto OpenFire Pit
If you want the feel of a real fire while still having a safe cooking platform, the Primus Kamoto OpenFire Pit is a fantastic option. This foldable fire pit allows you to cook over an open flame or charcoal while keeping the fire contained.
Features:
- Portable Fire Pit: Allows you to safely cook over an open flame or charcoal while containing the fire.
- Foldable Design: The fire pit folds flat, making it easy to carry and store.
- Versatile Cooking Options: Can be used for grilling, cooking over a campfire, or simply for warmth.
- Sturdy Construction: Made from durable materials to withstand high temperatures and frequent use.
10. GSI Outdoors Bugaboo Camper Cooking Set
The GSI Outdoors Bugaboo Camper Cooking Set is a great choice for families who want a versatile, lightweight cooking set. It’s designed to be both functional and compact, with everything you need for a full meal.
Features:
- Complete Cooking Set: Includes a pot, frying pan, plates, bowls, and mugs for four people.
- Non-Stick Coating: Makes cooking and cleanup a breeze, so you can spend more time enjoying your meal.
- Nesting Design: All components fit together for compact storage, saving space in your camping gear.
- Durable and Lightweight: Made from durable materials that are lightweight enough for easy transport.
Final Thoughts on Camping Cooking Gear
With the right cooking gear, preparing meals at your campsite can be enjoyable, efficient, and mess-free. Whether you’re after a compact stove, a full cooking set, or a portable grill, each of these products brings convenience and quality to your outdoor kitchen. From the Jetboil Flash for quick solo meals to the Weber Q1200 Portable Gas Grill for family BBQs, there’s a camping cooking solution for every camper’s style and budget.
Happy cooking and even happier camping!